GM.D.108 STIFFLY CASTS A SMALL BALL OVERHAND, FEET TOGETHER, HAND BEHIND HEAD

Here we look at overhand throwing. You can begin teaching this skill at the same time as you are working on kicking (GM.D.107)

Your child will stand stiffly as she throws overhand at first, with her body facing in the direction of her intended throw and her hand held up behind head level.

Later she can learn to throw with a twist of her body; refer to GM.D.127.

How to Assess

Materials: A small ball, such as a tennis ball.

Method: Demonstrate an overhand throw and ask your child to do the same. Score plus if your child throws the ball with one hand using an overhand throw.

How to Teach

Initially you may need 2 people for your practice – someone to throw the ball and someone to help your child to throw.

Place Dad or big sister about 3 metres away, facing your child. Give her the ball and allow her to decide which hand she wants to throw it with. Once she has decided, stand behind her and guide her hand up and back over her shoulder. Using the direction ‘Throw the ball’, swing the arm forward, helping her to release it on the way. Dad can then catch it and return it to you to repeat the action. If there is no-one else available to help you, throw the ball against a wall. Gradually reduce the amount of guidance you give the throw, until she is performing the movement on her own. It is important to have the right-sized ball for the size of your child’s hand. Too big or heavy a ball will drop out of her hand behind her head and cause a lot of frustration.

Try to set aside 5 minutes for ball-throwing practice each day and you will be surprised and pleased at how quickly this skill develops.